What to do and see in Colombo, Western Province: The Best Budget-friendly Things to do

September 28, 2021 Emerita Lamoureux

Colombo is the gateway to Sri Lanka for most travelers—but don’t be tempted to simply pass through this diverse and interesting city. Take a train ride along the coast to Mount Lavinia, a popular beach, or explore the Talangama Wetland, which several TripAdvisor travelers say is the perfect place to take a break from the bustling streets of the city.
Restaurants in Colombo

1. Sri Ponnambalam Vanesar Kovil

Kotahena, Colombo Sri Lanka
Excellent
71%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 101 reviews

Sri Ponnambalam Vanesar Kovil

Reviewed By 189diannec - Redmond, United States

This is a gorgeous Buddhist temple with amazing art work. Take your time and allow at least an hour for the visit. Be sure to also allow time to study the art work in the museum.

2. St Anthony's Shrine

St Anthony's Mawatha Kochchikade, Colombo Sri Lanka
Excellent
53%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 272 reviews

St Anthony's Shrine

Reviewed By MinakshiSriLanka

St. Anthony’s Shrine, Kochchikade which was damaged in the Easter Sunday bomb blast has been consecrated again on 12th June by the Head of Catholic Church of Sri Lanka - Archbishop of Colombo His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith. The High Mass held on 13th June on the feast day of St. Anthony without following the traditional procession. The historic Catholic shrine dedicated to St. Anthony of Padua will celebrate the 185th feast of the Saint on 13th June 2019. St. Anthony’s Shrine which is among the most popular Catholics churches and both catholic and non-Catholics have their faith in St Anthony. Current Administrator of Saint Anthony’s Church is Rev. Fr. Jude Raj Fernando.

3. St Lucia's Cathedral

Kotahena, Colombo Sri Lanka
Excellent
50%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 56 reviews

St Lucia's Cathedral

4. Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara

Colombo Sri Lanka +94 11 2 911505 [email protected] http://www.kelaniyatemple.org/
Excellent
64%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 615 reviews

Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara

Reviewed By Brenda010 - Durham, United Kingdom

This is a very beautiful temple to worship the Lord Buddha. A very sacred area and shoes must be removed of course, however they are removed before you enter the grounds which are quite extensive so do remember to wear socks as the sand and paving stones can be very very hot! There are places around where worshippers leave flowers and gifts for the Buddha and pray. Inside the temple there is a marvellous gold sleeping Buddha covered with the finest muslin or silk. The frescos are very old and tell the story of the temple. A very beautiful sacred place.

5. Number 11

No. 11 33rd Lane, Bagatelle Road Colombo 3, Colombo 00300 Sri Lanka +94 11 4 337335 [email protected] https://geoffreybawa.com/number-11
Excellent
65%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
3%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 146 reviews

Number 11

Reviewed By hoi61 - Austria, null

Not only was it wonderful to be houseguest in Geoffrey Bawa's Colombo home, but to be looked after by the kindred spirit of Rohana, a 'butler' who served Mr Bawa in his late years too, was absolutely wonderful. What gracious people in that house. I cannot fault anybody for anything. We are grateful to have had the opportunity to study the home and have a really good guided tour on top of it with manager Priyanka and on the side with dear Rohana. thank you!

6. Asokaramaya Buddhist Temple

Thimbirigasyaya Rd, Colombo 00500 Sri Lanka
Excellent
51%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 197 reviews

Asokaramaya Buddhist Temple

Reviewed By T6993KXdavidm - Bathurst, Australia

A visit here is a step back in history. This establishment is steeped in tradition and well worth a visit

7. Colombo National Museum

Albert Crescent, Colombo Sri Lanka +94 77 838 3798 http://www.museum.gov.lk
Excellent
24%
Good
42%
Satisfactory
25%
Poor
7%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 1,323 reviews

Colombo National Museum

This museum of Asian civilizations is one of the oldest in Sri Lanka.

Reviewed By mytropicaljournal - Colombo, Sri Lanka

An ideal place for historians but might be boring for those who have no interest on digging the history of their vacation spot. Magnificent collection of artifacts belong to different eras of the Sri Lankan history perfectly separated in to different sections providing proper guidance to travellers. Depicts includes cultural, archeological, zoological, botanical and many more. Full skeleton of the majestic Sri Lankan tusker, Heiyyanthuduwe Raja can be seen at the place. Popular location amongst school kids. It will take about 02 hours to cover all sections. Careful when taking photographs.

8. Gangaramaya (Vihara) Buddhist Temple

61 Sri Jinaratana Road, Colombo Sri Lanka +94 11 2 435169 http://gangaramaya.com
Excellent
45%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
3%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 3,082 reviews

Gangaramaya (Vihara) Buddhist Temple

Reviewed By NathanWW - Sydney, Australia

Located on the Beira Lake, Gangaramaya temple is built in an unusual mix of Indian, Thai, Chinese and Sri Lankan architectural styles. The temple complex comprises a cluster of shrines that surround a peaceful courtyard, with a dagoba at the centre. The museum just off the courtyard displays various gifts donated to the temple over the years, ranging from Buddhist statues to vintage cars. As with any Buddhist temple, visitors must first take off their shoes before entering; however, the floor tends to get heated very quickly, so it is wise to take a pair of socks with you.

9. Mount Lavinia Beach

Colombo Sri Lanka +94 77 670 0439 http://www.plantationhotels.com
Excellent
36%
Good
39%
Satisfactory
19%
Poor
4%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 1,509 reviews

Mount Lavinia Beach

Mount Lavinia Beach is located just out of the Colombo city. This beach strip has a lot to offer for the locals as well as the tourists visiting Colombo. Along the beach there are many nice restaurants pubs as well as relaxing areas. As a tourist who is visiting Colombo, Mount Lavinia Beach is a must visit. The weekends could be crowded with locals though, during the week it is relaxing and peaceful. If you would relax at a pool overlooking the ocean or the sunset, The Mount Lavinia Hotel terrace is recommended. You can use the Mount Lavinia Hotel pool for an affordable fee.

Reviewed By Geridog1 - Shanghai, China

Right on our door step. Beaches run for miles. Clean and beautiful sand. People pulling in nets, fishing boats pulled up on shore, restaurants every now and then.

10. Green Path

Ananda Coomaraswamy Mawatha, Colombo Sri Lanka http://www.mysticartsl.com
Excellent
27%
Good
53%
Satisfactory
16%
Poor
0%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 55 reviews

Green Path

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